ILLINOIS NRCS ANNOUNCES EQIP APPLICATION DEADLINES

Tricia Braid

Nov 05, 2014  |  Today's News

Illinois State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Ivan Dozier announced that November 21, 2014 and January 16, 2015 will be the two Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application deadlines.

“Producers can sign-up for EQIP at any time throughout the year, but to compete for the upcoming funding periods, I encourage producers with resource concerns to submit an application by one of the application deadlines.” Dozier explains.

Many applicants have shown interest in the funding pool to address soil erosion and water quality issues on cropland. “There are also funding pools for grazing land operations, confined livestock operations, organic producers, and wildlife habitat improvement, just to name a few,” Dozier said.

In addition to conservation practices, EQIP provides funding for the development of plans, such as Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP), Grazing Plans, Drainage Water Management Plans, and others. 

Producers interested in EQIP should submit a signed application (NRCS-CPA-1200 form) to the local NRCS field office. Applications that are submitted by November 21, 2014 and January 16, 2015 will be evaluated by NRCS staff. The staff will work with producers to complete worksheets and rankings in order to compete for funding.

For more information on EQIP, contact the local NRCS field office or visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov